Dental insurance is a balancing act. You want to make the most of your benefits without overloading your calendar. If the end of the year is near, you might wonder whether you should schedule that major dental procedure before your benefits reset. Consider spreading treatments across two benefit years instead of finishing everything in one year. This can help you maximize your dental coverage, avoid additional out-of-pocket costs, and keep your smile healthy throughout the year.

What does “use it or lose it” mean?

Many dental plans operate on a “use it or lose it” principle. If you do not use all of your annual benefits by the end of the year, any remaining coverage usually expires. While frustrating, this also presents an opportunity: By spreading out your treatments, you avoid trying to cram everything into a year. With a little planning, you can stretch the coverage and minimize the financial burden of complex dental treatments.

Why Spreading Treatments Makes Sense

Dental insurance often covers a wide range of preventive care and procedures, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, and even orthodontic work. However, these services are usually capped at some amount each year. Once you’ve reached your annual maximum, you’ll have to pay for additional procedures out-of-pocket until your benefits reset.

Consider splitting treatments across two benefit years instead of fitting all your dental work into one year. This is a great strategy for reaping the full benefit of your coverage for both years and reducing your overall cost.

Here’s why spreading treatments makes sense:

• Maximize Your Dental Coverage: Splitting your treatment over two years will help optimize your dental insurance timeline. It reduces out-of-pocket spending, allowing you to get needed care without reaching annual limits in a year.
• Don’t Overbook Your Schedule: Setting too many treatments within one year can stress you out. By spreading them, you give yourself more time to manage your dental appointments and reduce stress, allowing you to maintain your dental health without feeling overwhelmed.
• Save on Costs: You’ve already paid for dental insurance; now’s the time to maximize your usage. By spreading treatments over two years, you will not have to pay out of pocket for services you could have utilized with your available benefits.

How to Effectively Spread Treatments

If you’re planning major dental work, such as crowns, bridges, or multiple fillings, spreading these procedures over two benefit years can be a smart financial move. Here’s how to approach it:

• Schedule Preventive Care First: Take advantage of your benefits for regular checkups and cleanings, which are usually fully covered. These visits are essential for ensuring your teeth are healthy and catching problems earlier.
• Plan Major Procedures for Two Years: If you have major treatments such as fillings, crowns, or root canals, consider breaking them up. For instance, you may have part of the procedure done in December and then complete it in January. This way, you can use the benefits for both years.
• Work with Your Dentist: Discuss your options to devise a plan that works for you. They can help you understand how to best utilize your insurance benefits and break down treatment into manageable parts.

A Smart Strategy for Long-Term Dental Care

By spreading treatments over two benefit years, you’re maximizing your coverage and setting yourself up for long-term oral health. With a well-planned strategy, one can avoid unexpected costs and receive the needed care without stretching the budget.

Now that you understand the advantages of spreading treatments across two benefit years, it’s time to take action. Whatever dental work you have been putting off, do not wait until it’s too late. Plan your dental visits now to ensure you make the most of your dental coverage. Visit us now at Berwyn Dental Connection to schedule your next appointment and maximize your dental benefits!